53 pages • 1 hour read
They Went Left
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2020
YA
13-17 years
HL730L
Super Short Summary
They Went Left by Monica Hesse follows 18-year-old Zofia Lederman, a Polish Jew liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, as she travels through post-war Europe in 1945 searching for her younger brother, Abek, while grappling with the trauma of her past and encountering various individuals who impact her journey. The novel addresses themes of antisemitism, displacement, and the redemptive power of love. Content includes antisemitic violence and genocide.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
15,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Monica Hesse's They Went Left has been widely praised for its poignant depiction of post-World War II recovery and deeply emotional storytelling. Readers have appreciated the well-developed characters and historical accuracy. However, some felt the pacing was uneven and certain plot points were predictable. Overall, it’s a compelling, heartfelt read marked by resilience and hope.
Who Should Read They Went Left?
A reader who enjoys They Went Left by Monica Hesse is often captivated by historical fiction, particularly set during or post-World War II. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will appreciate this poignant narrative of survival and healing. Suitable for YA and adult readers seeking emotional depth and historical insight.
15,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Abek Lederman
Abek Lederman
Abek is Zofia’s younger brother, who was last seen at the age of nine when the Ledermans were transported to Birkenau. His playful nature and the mystery of his whereabouts drive Zofia's quest.
Lukasz
Lukasz
Lukasz is a Polish boy who adopts Zofia’s family story and seeks connection with her after losing his own family. His association with Abek’s name underscores his desire for a new beginning.
Josef Mueller
Josef Mueller
Josef is a man Zofia meets at a refugee camp, with whom she forms a relationship. His past, marked by secrecy about his involvement during the war, complicates their connection.
400
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2020
YA
13-17 years
HL730L
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